Ayasofya Hürrem Sultan Hamam was built in the 16th century for the wife of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent, Roxelana. Its astonishing design was done by the chief architect of the Sultan and features all-throughout marble, gorgeous pools with running water, beautiful motifs and enchanting atmosphere. Throughout the centuries, this domed building took many uses until recently it was brought back to its original splendor. A visit there will make you feel like a sultan!
The Eastern Orthodox Church, Hagia Irene, located within the walls of Topkapi Palace, is a beautiful example of Byzantine architecture, mosaics and frescoes. It is believed to be the first church built in Constantinople but fires and destruction have prompted its continuous restoration throughout the centuries. Under the Ottoman empire, Hagia Irene served as an armory then military museum until today, it is a museum and a concert venue due to its wonderful acoustics.
Once you enter Sarnic, you'll be stricken by the beauty and grandness of the extraordinary ex-Roman Cistern built over 1000 years ago. Overtime, the structure had a number of uses, even until recently, it was a car-repair shop. Not anymore! The amazing high domes and supporting pillars forming a large, open brick interior have finally found their best use! Sarnic is one of the most romantic and unique restaurants where history has left its mark and the romantic ambiance from the dimmed chandeliers, fireplace and candlelight will make your night unforgettable.
The series of defensive walls around Constantinople protected the city from many invasions. Those were further fortified during the reign of Theodosian with a second layer of walls which, at one point along their length are well reconstructed and can be toured today. Remains of the Constantinople walls and the entrance gates can be seen all around Istanbul. At some locations they are better preserved and at some, only a pile of stones is left due to the growing city, floods and earthquakes. If you venture out to the beautiful Church of Chora, make sure you explore the walls next to it.
The majestic Rumeli Hisari or Rumeli Fortress stands on the European side of the narrowest point of the Bosphorus. This massive stone structure was built in only 4 months in preparation for the siege of Constantinople. Its strategic location allowed the Ottomans to control the passage and prevent any help reaching Constantinople by sea. Seen from above, the fortress has the shape of the Arabic spelling of Muhammad. Nowadays, the Rumeli Fortress is open for the public as a museum. You can explore the massive walls and towers along with the armory and cannons used in the past.
The Church of the Holy Savior in Chora is known for being one of the best preserved and finest Byzantine churches in Turkey. The magnificent frescoes and mosaics depicting the life of Jesus and other biblical motives are outstanding. It dates back to the Constantine time but is no longer an active place of worship. Similarly to Hagia Sophia, it was converted into a mosque and later into the museum it is today. Chora Church may be off the beaten path but it is definitely worth seeing.
Milion was the zero-mile point of Constantinople indicating the origin of all roads and the distance to the cities they reach. It was an important milestone and as such a grand monument was erected to signify it. Throughout the centuries and historical turmoils, the Milion was lost until recently its location was identified in close proximity to Hagia Sophia and the Basilica Cistern. A new column was reconstructed but without the grandiose domed arches surrounding it.
Little Hagia Sophia was built during the reign of Justinian and was one of the first deeds of his after becoming an emperor. It is believed that the church was built by the same architects who later constructed Hagia Sophia as a "rehearsal" for erecting the largest church in the Byzantium Empire. The church was converted to a mosque during the Ottoman rule and still functions as such. The interior has been completely modified and only some columns with Greek inscriptions remain from the original decor.
The trendy district of Ortakoy, in the Besiktas area of Istanbul, is little known for tourists and hugely popular for locals. Most visitors of Istanbul get there to explore Dolmabehce Palace but somehow miss to venture out and get to know the area. Ortakoy is where the young professionals, hippies and trend-setters hang out at the cool restaurants and cafes with gorgeous views of the Bosphorus. At night, is when the area becomes alive! The hip bars and nightclubs are notorious for their amazing DJs, incredible atmosphere and breathtaking views.
Sogukcesme Street aka Cold Fountain Street, named after the fountain at its beginning, is one of Istanbul's hidden treasures. This tiny cobblestone pedestrian street stretches between Topkapi Palace and Hagia Sophia. It is lined with typical Ottoman houses built as exact replicas of the ones from the previous two centuries, currently serving as hotels. Check out the cute shops and cafes along the way but definitely stop by the re-purposed Roman Cistern, operating as Sarnic Cistern Restaurant, one of the most beautiful, unique and romantic venues in the city.
Istanbul is a fascinating city with centuries old history and culture which has developed and morphed after the people inhabiting it over the years. Ancient capital of three empires - Roman, Byzantium and Ottoman - the city has maintained its glory, splendor and upbeat atmosphere to lure visitors from around the world. Dive into the busy street life, rich cuisine and historical past to truly experience the magic of Istanbul.
Istanbul is a fascinating city with centuries old history and culture which has developed and morphed after the people inhabiting it over the years. Ancient capital of three empires - Roman, Byzantium and Ottoman - the city has maintained its glory, splendor and upbeat atmosphere to lure visitors from around the world. Dive into the busy street life, rich cuisine and historical past to truly experience the magic of Istanbul.
Cappadocia, a land like no other where nature and humans have created wonders! The moonlike landscape with fairy chimneys, cones, pillars, muchrooms and pinnacles of soft rock, tuff formed from volcano eruptions, is one of the most incredible places you could visit in your lifetime. For thousands of years people have made this wonderland their home and used its natural richness to build a living and defend from enemies. The Cappadocia valleys are now honeycombed with stonehouses dug into the tuff, tunnels and networks of huge settlements spreading wide and a few stories deep into the rocky ground. Home to religious orders and monastic communities over the centuries, nowadays Cappadocia displays some of the world finest examples of early Byzantine religious arts and frescoes.
Cappadocia, a land like no other where nature and humans have created wonders! The moonlike landscape with fairy chimneys, cones, pillars, muchrooms and pinnacles of soft rock, tuff formed from volcano eruptions, is one of the most incredible places you could visit in your lifetime. For thousands of years people have made this wonderland their home and used its natural richness to build a living and defend from enemies. The Cappadocia valleys are now honeycombed with stonehouses dug into the tuff, tunnels and networks of huge settlements spreading wide and a few stories deep into the rocky ground. Home to religious orders and monastic communities over the centuries, nowadays Cappadocia displays some of the world finest examples of early Byzantine religious arts and frescoes.